National News Briefs; Water Tank Bursts, Flooding California City

Published: September 22, 1998

WESTMINSTER, Calif., Sept. 21—
A five-million-gallon concrete water tank ruptured early today, sending a rumbling wave through the streets that swept away trees, cars and condominiums.

One firefighter was hospitalized in serious condition. Another firefighter and five residents suffered minor injuries.

A search through the rubble of collapsed buildings determined that no one was killed or trapped.

''You know how before an earthquake you heard a rumble? It was just a big rumble,'' said Rose Scorsone, whose family was not hurt. She said a pickup truck wound up inside her neighbor's kitchen.

''I've never been this scared before in my life,'' she said.

The authorities said they were unsure why the tank ruptured.

A giant portion of the concrete tank's wall blew out around daybreak, sending an estimated four million gallons of water rushing down two residential streets in this city of 82,500 people about 25 miles south of Los Angeles.

''It's a mess out there.,'' Lieut. Bob Amren of the police department said.

At least 50 condominiums or garages and 14 vehicles were damaged.

Hundreds of people, many in bathrobes, stood in foot-deep water and debris, waiting to be allowed to return to their homes. The worst damage was to a large condominium complex.

Huge chunks of concrete, splintered wood, smashed cars and shredded trees were left in the aftermath.

The flood apparently ruptured natural gas lines. ''The smell of gas got so bad you just started choking,'' Ms. Scorsone said. ''You could see the layer of gas on top of the water.''